Each Apple Watch, except the Ultra, comes with a simple Sport Band, which can be made to fit any wrist size. However, the world of Apple Watch bands is as diverse as the people who wear them, and if you're looking for a Solo Loop or another band that's not adjustable, you'll need to know how to use the Apple Watch band size chart and other metrics to find the right fit.
The Apple Watch size is the size of the device itself, without the band.
Apple Watch band sizes coordinate with the size of each device to ensure a comfortable fit and proper wear. When buying a new Apple Watch band, it's crucial to choose one that fits the size of your watch. Luckily, the same band will fit every Apple Watch model as long as it's the same device size. The following five steps will ensure that your future band will fit your Apple Watch model and wrist perfectly.
"What size is my Apple Watch," is a common question. The quickest way to find out which Apple Watch size you have is to remove the watch from your wrist and look at the engraving on the back.
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You can also check the model in the settings on your iPhone. If you'd like to know more about the different Apple Watch models and their many distinguishing features, we can help with that. If you are shopping around for a new model, check out which Apple Watch you should buy!
The smaller Apple Watch will be 38–42 mm, depending on the model. The larger Apple Watch will be 44 mm–49 mm, depending on the model. The difference in millimeters is in the display rather than the watch. That means that an Apple Watch band that fits a 38 mm Series 3 Apple Watch will also fit the 40 mm Series 6 Apple Watch. Likewise, a band that fits a 44 mm Series 5 will fit a 42 mm Series 2. The 44 mm, 45 mm, and 49 mm Apple Watch bands will fit the new large Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Now that you understand how to measure Apple Watch band size, you need to learn how to measure wrist size. The safest thing to do for the best results is to use the Apple Watch band size chart. This official guide lets you cut out a paper band to help you get the perfect fit, and it really works.
It can be easy to simply estimate Apple Watch band sizes when it comes to the Sport Band and Sport Loop because the options are S/M for shorter bands or M/L for longer bands, and they're adjustable. However, not all bands are. The Solo Loop, for example, does have some stretch to it, but it's not possible to adjust it.
If you don’t have a printer and you want to measure your wrist in a pinch, cut a strip of paper or a string. Use a pen to mark the size of your wrist on the paper or string, then measure it with a ruler. You can then input the measurements on Apple’s website by clicking the Start your measurement button to get the correct size.
Even if you aren’t going to buy your band on Apple’s website, you can use its sizing tools to figure out what size to get. Just pretend you're shopping for an Apple Watch and follow the steps.
If you have a measuring tape or a ruler, skip to step 4. If you don't have a printer or a ruler, you can always use a hand measurement app to help you measure your wrist. Keep in mind that this is not the most accurate measurement and may result in an ill-fitting band.
To test the accuracy of the measurement, I used a ruler. The Measurement app was 3mm (0.1) off. Depending on the type of band you are considering buying, this could be a small enough margin of error to be just fine. However, if you are considering a Solo Loop, I strongly recommend waiting until you can use a printer and taking advantage of Apple’s official measuring guide tool. Apple's printed guide offers an Apple Watch size comparison on wrists for a powerful visual reference.
Apple sells some great Apple Watch bands for women and men on their website and in their stores. These are size options for official Apple Watch bands:
These are the best new Apple Watch bands that were released alongside Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2:
Although you can’t beat the quality of original Apple Watch bands, you can also shop on Etsy or Amazon for more unique designs at affordable prices. There are also options to get custom Apple Watch bands. These might have different sizing guides, as Apple does not make or endorse them.
Buying your Apple Watch band on Apple’s website is a great way to ensure you're getting top quality. Plus, if you get the wrong size, you will be able to exchange it for a better fit.
Knowing the measurements of your wrist and Apple Watch isn't always enough to get the perfect fit. Some Apple Watch bands have confusing measurements or awkward closures so even if you measure everything correctly, you may end up with the wrong fit because your wrist size falls right in between two notches or loops. If your watch doesn't fit correctly, your heart rate and calorie burning stats will not be correct. However, there are some bands that can be adjusted just right.
The following is Apple Watch size guide, showing the Apple Watch band measurements by watch model:
What is the difference between 38 and 49 mm Apple Watch sizes? This refers to the size of the height of the Apple Watch display. Keep in mind that larger Apple Watches have longer band options, and smaller watches will offer shorter band options. The Sport Loop band for the 40 mm watch can fit 130–200 mm wrists, while the band for the 44 mm watch can fit 140–220 mm wrists. You can get the perfect fit if you just follow this Apple Watch band size guide.
These can come in handy when measuring your wrist circumference in order to calculate your Apple Watch band size.
Apple Watch Sizes: Apple Watch sizes refer to the length from the top of the device to the bottom, not from one side to the other.
Apple Watch Band Lengths: These lengths can be added to the Apple Watch size to approximately equal the circumference of your wrist, give or take a few millimeters. We recommend using Apple's watch band size chart for the best fit, but these measurements can still come in handy.
If you are looking for a kid size Apple Watch band, the 130 mm may be your best option. You can also shop third-party watch bands specifically made for children with smaller wrists.
People often wonder, "is it bad to change my Apple Watch band daily?" The answer is no. According to Apple, it is perfectly safe for your watch and bands to change them as often as you wish. As long as you remove and put on Apple Watch bands correctly, there shouldn’t be any wear and tear associated with changing them. However, if you are using third-party Apple Watch bands, the band could potentially wear out over time.
Apple Watch bands can get a little gunky if you wear them every day. Make sure you learn how to clean the bands properly without damaging them.
Whether you are shopping for Apple Watch bands for women or men, figuring out how to measure wrist size to achieve the perfect fit can be challenging. We hope this article helped you make a more informed decision when deciding between Apple Watch band sizes! Next, learn why does my Apple Watch keep locking while I’m wearing it?
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